Is your cruise stopping at the cruise line’s private island? If so, it’s a good idea to plan what to bring. The last thing you want to do is haphazardly throw things into your beach bag and then realize you forgot essential items. You’ll end up wasting money at the island’s shops to buy things you forgot to bring. Or, even worse, you might have to trek back to the cruise ship to retrieve the items you left behind.
To save you from all the hassle, I have a list of things you need to bring with you to the cruise private island. I’m also sharing a free printable of my cruise private island packing list that you can use to help you pack and make sure you don’t forget anything.
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What to Bring to the Cruise Private Island
Beach Bag
First, let’s discuss the type of beach bag that would be ideal for the cruise private island. Preferably, you should bring a large waterproof beach bag with a zipper. This way, it can withstand getting wet, and the zipper will keep your things secure.
I personally like this beach bag because it’s waterproof and sandproof. It has several external pockets so your sunblock and water bottle are easily accessible. It even comes with a small wristlet pouch where you can keep your money, cruise card and cellphone. You can take the pouch with you whenever you have to leave your beach bag unattended when you go to the bathroom, buffet or the bar.
I also like this packable beach bag which comes in handy if you need an extra one during your cruise.
Refillable Water Bottles
I admit it—I can be lazy sometimes, especially when it comes to replenishing my drink when I’m lounging on the beach. That’s why I always bring a refillable water bottle with me.
Whenever I need a drink, I just fill it up with some ice cold water from the buffet or bar. This way, I can take it easy and fully enjoy the beach without constantly going back to the buffet or bar. Believe me, it’s a hassle-free way to make sure you stay hydrated and relaxed on the private island.
I like these insulated water bottles without straws (I am just too lazy to deal with washing the straw!)
Swim Cover Up
A swim cover-up is a must on the private island. Wear it over your bathing suit when you go to the bar, buffet or island shops. I like this swim cover-up, it’s got good coverage and comes in many prints and colors.
Water shoes
I suggest bringing water shoes to protect your feet if the beach is a little rocky. They’re also great for water activities such as kayaking or jet skiing. If you are like me and don’t like the look of water shoes, I suggest these water shoes that look like waterproof loafers!
Bathing Suits and Change of Clothes
I suggest wearing your bathing suit under your swim cover-up so you don’t have to change on the private island. Also, don’t forget to pack a change of clothes.
Swim Goggles
If you are sensitive to the water, swim goggles are a must. Remember, you’ll be swimming in salt water, so you want to protect your eyes. I suggest bringing an extra swim goggle in case you lose one! Otherwise, you will have to buy expensive swim goggles at the island shop.
Beach Chair Towel Clips
I always bring my own beach chair towel clips to secure my towel to the beach chair so it doesn’t fall off or get blown away. It’s a pet peeve of mine to lie down on a beach chair where the towel has slipped off. I like these fun beach chair towel clips. If you want a less bulky option, you should bring these towel bands instead.
Portable Fan
The Caribbean heat can get intense, that’s why I always bring a hand-held fan to the beach. I like this portable fan because it is a handheld fan that has a built-in stand so it can sit on your nightstand to improve the airflow in your cabin (very useful if you are in an inside stateroom). Plus, you don’t need to worry about batteries because it’s USB rechargeable.
Snorkeling gear
If you think you will snorkel, you should bring your own snorkeling gear. I personally don’t like renting them for hygiene reasons. It also saves you money. Depending on how big your group is, you’ll end up spending a lot renting snorkel gear for everyone.
Beach Toys
If you are cruising with kids, you should definitely bring your own beach toys. If not, you’ll end up either buying expensive beach toys from the shop or using plastic water bottles/paper cups as beach toys!
I like this beach toy set because the bucket is collapsible so it can easily fit in your luggage. Bring an inflatable beach ball to add to the fun. I also recommend carrying these toys in an extra large mesh tote bag to allow the damp toys to air out and to hold wet towels and clothes.
Books and Kindle
You’ll want to bring a book or Kindle to read while you lounge on the beach.
Waterproof Phone Case
To protect your phone from water and sand, use a waterproof phone case that has a touch screen. Here is a bigger waterproof pouch that has an adjustable strap so you can wear it around your shoulder or waist. Trust me, it will come in handy!
Bug Spray
I always bring bug spray, so I don’t get insect bites. I’m a mosquito magnet, so I always use bug spray with DEET. You don’t need to bring the entire spray bottle, just pack a few of these insect repellent wipes in your beach bag.
Sunblock
Make sure to pack sunblock. It’s ideal to get one with a high SPF rating (at least 50). If you plan to spend the whole day on the island, make sure to bring a lot and reapply it every two hours. Personally, I prefer to bring a sunblock stick for the face and spray for the body. And don’t forget to bring chapstick with SPF to protect your lips! I personally love these chapsticks, they feel and taste good!
Hand Sanitizer
If you’re a neat freak like me, you’ll want to bring hand sanitizers to the island. That way, you can easily clean your hands if you’re too lazy to trek to the bathroom! I like these hanging hand sanitizers because I don’t have to dig around my bag to find it! I have one strapped to my beach bag and my purse.
Hats or Baseball Caps
Hats or baseball caps are essential for a day on the cruise line’s private island.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must since the sun can get intense. Everyone needs sunglasses even kids.
Medication
Definitely bring your medication in your beach bag. My son is allergic to peanuts and I always pack his epipen and allergy medication in my bag.
Waterproof Camera
If you like to take cool underwater videos and pictures, I suggest bringing a waterproof camera. I like to use my GoPro to capture underwater videos while I’m snorkeling. Don’t forget to bring extra memory cards, batteries, and waterproof covers/accessories for your camera.
Resealable Plastic Bags
I always bring a few resealable plastic bags or Ziploc and keep them in my beach bag. It comes in handy when you are at the beach to store snacks. I also pack a few large gallon bags for wet bathing suits.
Wet Wipes
I always bring wet wipes. It comes in handy in cleaning my kid’s sandy hands. Here are travel size ones that I always bring with me to the beach.
Chargers and External Batteries
If you are going to spend the entire day on the private island, I suggest bringing external battery packs and chargers. You might not be able to find an outlet, so an external battery pack will extend the life of your device so it lasts all day.
Cash (Small Bills)
It’s a good idea to bring cash (small bills). You might see local vendors at the beach, so you’ll want to pay with cash. You might also want to leave a tip for a cruise staff member at the buffet. It’s useful to have just in case! Check out my article on 10 cruise private island mistakes to avoid.
Get Your Free Private Island Packing List
Sign up once and you will get access to ALL exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, just save the printable image and then print it. Use it as a checklist to help you pack your cruise private island beach bag so you don’t forget anything! I hope you like it!
Check out these free cruise printables
10 cruise private island mistakes to avoid.
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